York Theatre Royal – until Wednesday 22nd June
Reviewed by Aimee Liddington
4****
Everyday marks the 20th anniversary of Deafinitely Theatre – the first deaf launched and deaf led theatre company who produce bilingual theatre in British Sign Language and spoken English. Paula Garfield founded the company in 2002 alongside Steven Webb and Kate Furby with the vision of making theatre accessible for all and making deaf people valued within mainstream media. Deafinitely Theatre’s mission is to produce high quality bilingual theatre for deaf and hearing audiences of all ages and backgrounds. It seems fitting therefore that Everyday embodies inclusivity within theatre.
Everyday tells the story of four survivors of domestic violence. Lady Aine (Fifi Garfield), Shadow (Cherie Gordon), Aislinn (Zoë McWhinney) and Pan (Bea Webster) come together in a safe space to share their stories and support each other through the trauma they have faced as victims. Paula Garfield (writer and director) created the show as a direct response to the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the reported statistics of domestic violence. Deaf people are twice as likely to suffer domestic violence and their experiences are unique. In addition to this women and LGBTQ people are disproportionately affected by domestic violence and so in choosing three women and a non binary person to tell their stories Deafinitely Theatre gives victims from these backgrounds confidence to tell their stories and reassurance that there is a way out of the dire situation they find themselves in.
I should mention here that I am not deaf and do not speak British Sign Language but this production is accessible for all and the visual storytelling element of BSL is merged with spoken English and subtitles to allow for a multifaceted interpretation of the stories being told. Humour is mixed with heart wrenching emotion and the audience finds themselves lost in each of the characters’ worlds. The four characters create a sort of witches coven and there is a fantastical element to the production whilst at the same time being so realistic and relatable. Sound Designer XANA alongside Lighting Designer Ali Hunter pull us in and out of this mystical energy with the intermittent hum and growing multi coloured lights which signal the aura of each character.
I felt personally touched by the stories told by Pan (Bea Webster) and Shadow (Cherie Gordon) due to the seamless merging of BSL and spoken English. The dynamic of the main character using BSL and there being a spoken English voice over was a beautiful example of how people with different skills and abilities can work alongside each other to support each other and make the world a better place for all to be seen and heard.
Everyday is thought provoking, touching and humorous. It is a piece of theatre that celebrates people who are quite often pushed to the margins of society and acts as a reminder that there is a space for people of all backgrounds to tell their stories on our national stage.